See something you like? Hit the ‘+’ symbol at the bottom right-hand corner of the article or experience that takes your fancy and start compiling the ultimate Kiwi bucket list.

Breathe. This is refreshing.

This is for those who want to immerse themselves in the true essence of Kiwi (whether it’s a kawakawa steam treatment or a beer with the locals). Traditional hongi greeting, image: Tourism Rotorua

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Whether it’s bungy jumping and skiing in Queenstown or glacier adventures on the West Coast, Wellington’s capital of cool or Rotorua’s rich Maori culture – get the inside word on New Zealand culture, activities, entertainment and events and start creating an unforgettable Kiwi trip of a lifetime.

What's on in New Zealand

The world’s favourite flying car Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – the old bomb with the James Bond-style pimpin’ under the bonnet – will be the guest star at Wanaka Warbirds and Wheels Museum for the month of April. On loan from film producer Sir Peter Jackson, the famous winged jalopy from Ian Fleming’s book and the classic 1968 children’s movie only makes rare appearances.

Four long years after the Canterbury earthquakes forced him off his famous patch in Cathedral Square, iconic orator, thinker and, er, wizard The Wizard of New Zealand has returned to the spot that helped to make his name and elevated him to the status of the country’s favourite and official spellslinger (sorry, Gandalf). If you’re in Christchurch, you need to get along for a listen!

You’ve heard of dinner and a movie, but how about dinner in a movie? Lord of the Rings fans can now get their gastronomic geek on and dine like a Hobbit at The Green Dragon Inn by taking an Evening Dinner Tour at the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata. With Hobbiton brought into the electric 21st century, the Hobbiton Movie Set experience now offers after-dark tours.

Destination NZ pulls back the beaded curtain on New Zealand’s increasingly hot burlesque scene in our extended chat with one of the experienced local and international stars of the form – Wellington-based tasselled temptress Rachel Rouge – to get the lowdown on the local scene, the history, the hottest performers in New Zealand burlesque, and the best stories.

Snug in its heritage building and surrounded by some of Dunedin’s finest boutique shopping in its CBD location, The Finest Quality Kiki Beware Refreshment Room – or just Kiki Beware for short, if that’s a bit much of a mouthful when you’re trying to make your lunch plans – is a kooky, quirky and modern boutique café that’s quickly become one of Dunedin’s favourite haunts.

If you’re looking for Auckland’s new go-to casual dining destination, head to the corner of Wellesley Street West and Nelson Street to find the City Works Depot. This hub of creative cuisine, situated alongside advertising agencies and branding gurus, utilises repurposed workshops where the Auckland City Council once serviced buses, trucks, and road-building equipment.

Looking to burn some serious plastic and pick up some killer Kiwi threads? For a small country a long way from Paris, New York, or Milan, New Zealand punches well above its weight on the international fashion scene, with top New Zealand fashion designers such as Karen Walker, Trelise Cooper and Zambesi lauded worldwide for their unique take on high fashion.

Explore. New Zealand uptapped.

Set your course for adventure, this is the real New Zealand. Auckland skyline at night, image: Tourism Auckland

The Insider's Guide to New Zealand

Auckland

Feast your senses on Auckland’s dazzling array of activities, plentiful dining and shopping options, and stunning landscapes in New Zealand’s biggest city; the cosmopolitan and culturally diverse ‘City of Sails’. Perfectly positioned between two harbours and bordered by rainforest, Auckland’s modern and multicultural Pacific centre is unique in the world.

Wellington

New Zealand’s much-loved political and cultural capital of Wellington lies on a sparkling harbour at the bottom of the North Island, not far from forest-clad hills and a delightful wine-growing region. Explore urban precincts where shopping, dining and culture abound, each with their own distinct character, then take to the harbour and the hills for outdoor experiences on the edge of the city.

Christchurch & Canterbury

Treat yourself to a myriad of experiences in Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city is a cosmopolitan and cultured centre and perfect base for exploring a region packed with adventures. Regularly appearing on ‘top places in the world to visit’ lists, post-quake Christchurch offers a wealth of things to do – and a one-of-a-kind glimpse of a city rebuilding.

Live. This is Real.

This is for those who seek a different way of life (even if it's just for two weeks). Franz Josef Glacier, image: Tourism West Coast

Things to see and do

New Zealand Adventure Activities

Are you looking for an adrenaline rush? Then you’re in the right place! New Zealand, home of commercial bungy jumping, offers an endless procession of white-knuckle inducing activities including shweebing canyon swinging, sand tobogganing caving, glacier hiking, skydiving jet boating, white and black-water rafting, sledging, dam dropping, tubing world-class diving, horse trekking, kayaking, canoeing and surfing. A thrill-seeker’s paradise, the majority of New Zealand’s most adrenaline-pumping activities can be enjoyed by people at a range of skill and fitness levels.

Shopping in New Zealand

Browse New Zealand’s fashion boutiques, chain stores and department stores, and you’ll be amazed at the quality and range on offer. New Zealand fashion is world-class – no surprise when you consider Untouched World, Trelise Cooper, Karen Walker and Zambesi have been exporting to the world’s fashion capitals for years.

Discover. A land like no other.

Taste New Zealand

New Zealand’s cuisine scene is guaranteed to satisfy the fussiest gourmands. New Zealand’s unique Pacific Rim fusion is internationally popular and trend-setting Kiwi chefs such as Peter Gordon have played an important role in its development. New Zealand’s restaurants and dining scene lead the charge with world-class offerings, while New Zealand wine’s reputation for producing some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir is legendary.

New Zealand Wildlife

Home to some of the world’s rarest animals including the Kiwi, Kakapo, Tuatara and the Hector’s Dolphin (the world’s smallest), New Zealand’s commitment to conservation and isolation makes for some amazing wildlife encounters and experiences.

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